By Craig Hale
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Craig Hale
29 September 2025
Edge will check for malicious extensions going forward
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Microsoft Edge is adding malicious sideloaded extension detection
Other productivity and AI enhancements are in the works
Edge still struggles with market share (vs. Chrome)
Microsoft has announced plans to add a new security feature to its Edge browser to protect users against malicious sideloaded extensions as it continues with plans to entice more users away from Chrome.
Sideloading allows developers to install extensions locally, but attackers have also exploited sideloading to trick users into installing harmful extensions, bypassing the checks that extensions usually undergo via the Edge Add-ons store.
The company confirmed its browser “will detect and revoke malicious sideloaded extensions” in a roadmap entry.
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Millions of users have fallen victim to malicious browser extensions because of a critical flaw, but things are changing — here’s what you need to know
Nearly a million browsers affected by more malicious browser extensions – here’s what we know
Malicious Google Chrome and Edge extensions downloaded more than 2 million times – here’s how to stay safe from being tracked online
Edge will soon detect malicious sideloaded extensions
Microsoft said that this new security feature is currently in development, but is set to roll out in November 2025.
The company refrained from sharing any details, such as the detection methods – all we have is the limited roadmap entry (tracked as 503593) to go by.
However, it’s not Microsoft’s first stab at making Edge a more secure web environment. It has also rolled out warnings for extensions that harm Edge’s performance and an HTTPS-first mode to upgrade from HTTP to HTTPS wherever possible.
It’s not just security updates that are finding their way into Microsoft’s native browser. The company also hopes to make it a more productive place to be, with plans to introduce a built-in Adobe-powered PDF reader as soon as October 2025. Of course, Copilot generative AI tools are also finding their way into every aspect of the browser too.
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All of that being said, Microsoft continues to struggle with Edge adoption, as recent figures claim the browser accounts for around 12% of all desktop browser sessions worldwide, compared with 70% for Chrome. Still, it’s twice as far ahead as Safari (6%) on desktop, at least.
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With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!
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Millions of users have fallen victim to malicious browser extensions because of a critical flaw, but things are changing — here’s what you need to know
Nearly a million browsers affected by more malicious browser extensions – here’s what we know
Malicious Google Chrome and Edge extensions downloaded more than 2 million times – here’s how to stay safe from being tracked online
Chrome stretches its lead over the floundering Edge – and I’m not convinced Microsoft’s big Copilot AI promises will save the browser
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